[Greens-Media] Media Release: Greens call for evidence-based approach to drugs

[Blyberg, Andrew (Sen R. Di Natale)]

Media Release
 
Dr Richard Di Natale
Greens Senator for Victoria
 
22/06/2013

Greens call for evidence-based approach to drugs

Australian Greens health spokesperson and former drug and alcohol clinician, Senator Richard Di Natale, today renewed his call for a Productivity Commission inquiry into the issue of illicit drugs.

"Reports in today's media about the size of Australia's $7.1 billion illicit drugs market clearly demonstrates that the current approach to drugs hasn't been working," said Senator Di Natale.

"Last year I stood with Dr Mal Washer and Rob Oakeshott to call for the issue of illicit drugs to be referred to the Productivity Commission and today I renew that call. Any politician who won't support a referral should have to explain why they don't think politicians should consider evidence when making policy.

"The synthetic drugs industry is a relatively new and growing issue in Australia and the old parties seem keen to double-down on the old 'tough on drugs' rhetoric and continue to push for a law and order response. But while the old parties are concerned with talking tough on drugs, the Greens care about saving lives and that means treating it as a health issue.

"New Zealand has adopted a model of regulation for synthetic drugs that is based on health and safety, instead of opting for the ineffective option of trying to ban substances in an ever evolving industry. 

"Dealing with the risks of synthetic drugs is a very complex proposition and it won't be solved with simplistic solutions. Australia should be looking closely at the New Zealand model and other international evidence instead of just blindly continuing with the same failed approach.

"When parliament returns after the election, I will move for a Senate Inquiry into synthetic drugs. The status quo is unacceptable but we need to take a measured approach that ensures we put the health of the community first."

Media contact: Andrew Blyberg 0457 901 600